KIT: Stay Safe in Winter

Winter running can be a little daunting, as the majority of us are either early morning or late evening runners due to daytime commitments. We all know that we should run with others, tell someone where you’re going and how long you will be, but are there other precautions we can take to stay safe in the dark, cold winter months?

Changing up your winter running kit is the easiest way to keep yourself safe and warm over the winter months, often the most important time in the running calendar, with the majority of long races being in early spring.

If your kit has reflective and fluorescent elements on it, you’re much more likely to be seen by motorists and other road users. Both work by absorbing and reflecting light differently to other materials (a black pair of matte leggings, say, will just absorb the light and become part of the background); although reflective materials need a light source to work, like a car headlight, fluorescent materials are easier to see in low light conditions. You can pick up fluorescent vests and reflective bands for a couple of quid from places like Pound shops and eBay, so there’s no excuse for not being seen! A good tip for reflective bands is to wear them on places that move the most, like your ankles or wrists, as motorists are more likely to notice something moving rapidly.

Sometimes the thought of feeling cold can really put me off going for a run – even though I know that five minutes in I’ll be warm enough – so I bundle up before leaving the house too much. That means I end up sweating an unpleasant amount, eventually getting colder than I would have been had I have been wearing less! A general rule is if you dress as if it’s 5°C warmer you are less likely to overheat on your run, and you’re also much better in a couple of thin layers rather than one thick layer. The first layer should wick sweat off your body, the second keeps warm air circulating around, and the third can protect from the elements if it’s windy or raining. The more you do it, the better you’ll balance keeping toasty in your warm-up and staying cool during your run. No more shivering cooldowns.

Less of a kit-tip and more of a no-kit-tip: I’m dreadful for sitting around in my sweaty running clothes post-run, but this really isn’t ideal in winter! There’s no proof that getting a ‘chill’ can cause a cold, but it does feel unpleasant and it’s tough to warm up again after your body temperature drops. I try to strip off as soon as I get home and get in a hot shower. It warms up my skin, so makes me feel more comfortable, but also keeps my core temperature stable which is the most important thing. Jumping straight into your cosy pyjamas and drinking a hot drink not only feels amazing but will keep you warm too!

When it’s freezing and lashing it down outside, nothing feels more triumphant than getting yourself out pounding the pavement. But at the same time, if you’re feeling run-down anyway and the thought of getting out there fills you with absolute dread, the world is not going to end if you skip a run. It totally depends on your goals and why you run. Just don’t turn it into a habit!

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Welcome to That Squat Bot! I'm Sarah, and I run fast, lift heavy, and eat hard.

I'm a CrossFitter with a love for Olympic weightlifting (but a dislike of burpees). I'm a big eater and am always trying to cook up healthy and interesting meals. Constantly working towards becoming the best version of myself!

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